The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant funding during its March 11 meeting, setting the framework for federal housing assistance over the next five years.

The plan allocates an estimated $450,000 in federal funding toward homeowner rehabilitation programs, public services, fair housing activities, and homeownership development. Assistant Administrator Cynthia Suzanne told commissioners the plan focuses primarily on addressing housing cost burden, which affects residents paying more than 30% of their income for housing costs across the city.

Commissioners also authorized staff to apply for up to $225,000 in matching funds through the state's Local Housing Trust Fund grant program. The application, due March 19, would support the city's Bloomington Affordable Homeownership Program with HRA Development Fund dollars serving as the required local match of $300,000.

The authority voted to support two pieces of state legislation that would expand HRA capabilities. House File 863 would double the maximum HRA levy limits, while Senate File 2041/House File 1159 would allow tax increment financing districts to transfer funds to local housing trust funds. Administrator noted the legislation aligns with the city's platform for increasing affordable housing tools.

The consolidated plan will undergo a 30-day public comment period beginning March 28, followed by a City Council public hearing on April 14. The program year begins in July, with Hennepin County ultimately submitting the plan to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in mid-May.